Delinquent sewer bills mount up at Holton
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

We're operating in the red - we've got to have something done," noted Holton Town Council President Robert Furst, at the regular monthly meeting of the council held May 10, at the community building.

Furst was referring to delinquent sewer accounts. He reported that as of April there were $16,440 worth of delinquent bills on the books, accounts that are past due more than $100 each. "We've got repairs that need to be done, and we just can't operate like this," he told the council.

The council agreed with Furst and Attorney Larry Eaton requested a list of those in violation of paying their bills. He said he would begin the legal process of filing claims against those who have not paid. Council members agreed it has gone on for too long and will only get worse if something isn't done.

Attorney Eaton provided the council with forms they will need to fill out for people with abandoned buildings that are unsafe. It was noted that property owners in Holton had one year since the tornado in July of 2004, to get the damage cleaned up.

Property owners not affected by the tornado, but who have properties in need of repairs, will be sent a notification. The town council will take immediate action to send the forms to individuals and will follow up with legal action if necessary. Eaton noted that those who do not comply with the county's ordinance on unsafe structures can be issued a citation and fined up to $2500 per day per violation. He said the worse case scenario is that structures could be demolished and a lien put against the property for the clean-up.

Council member Wilma Myers noted that many homeowners in Holton have been sprucing up their properties. "We do appreciate those who have been working on their homes," she noted.

President Furst added that heavy trash pick-up day was a success with many people taking advantage of the time to get rid of big trash items.

Mike Stratton attended the meeting and said old Holton School pictures he had been working on were nearly completed. The council had agreed to pay him for expenses relating to the project. However, Stratton proposed that his family absorb the costs as a donation to the town. He will place a plaque with the pictures in honor of deceased family members.

Council member Wilma Myers responded, "That's very nice of your family, we really appreciate it." The collection of pictures will be displayed somewhere in the foyer of the new community building.

County Clerk Ginger Bradford appeared before the council requesting a change in the place where voting is held for those in Otter Creek Township. She said that due to HAVA (Help America Vote Act), the firehouse was in compliance with all the regulations. She requested the polling place be moved to the community building. The request was granted and she said she will now take the recommendation to the County Commissioners.

The dates needed for the 2006 election will be May 2, and November 7.

Marshal Billey Moore noted that he will graduate from the Marshal's Academy on May 12. He also said the grant he applied for from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation for a computer and car camera for the police department has been granted. He noted he will be taking Field Sobriety Training from the Batesville Police Department in June. He will be taking the first responder course the fire department is offering and noted he was AED certified.

Council members noted they were thankful that the riverboat money wasn't taken away and thanked everyone who helped keep it in local communities.

In other business the council noted that the sidewalk project in town will continue. They also have had the sewer traps checked in the community building with Contractor Tom Poole assuring them he would take care of the problem. Town employee Steve Troxell noted he needs help with mowing for the summer. The council approved Billey Moore for the part-time position.

Upon favorable recommendation from the Ripley County Planning Commission, the council signed a request that property on 850 W. be rezoned from A1 to R1.

The next regular meeting of the Holton Town Council will be held June 14, at 8:00 a.m. in the community building on Versailles Street.